To me, a song is not finished. To me, there's no such thing as a finished anything. All of Beethoven's nine symphonies, to me, are one. I think of it as having no beginning and no end.
Wayne ShorterRead
I always say that music is a small drop in the ocean of life. I was told a long time ago that your horn, or whatever instrument you play, is a means to be in the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Music is a small yet significant part of life, serving as a way to express and connect with the world.
Wayne Shorter's quote highlights the profound yet humble nature of music in the vast experience of life. It suggests that while music may seem like a minor element, it plays an essential role in how we engage with the world around us and express our existence through artistry.
Themes
MusicLifeArtExpressionConnection
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech about the importance of arts education.
More from Wayne Shorter
All quotes →Jazz shouldn't have any mandates. Jazz is not supposed to be something that's required to sound like jazz. For me, the word 'jazz' means, 'I dare you.'
Wayne ShorterRead
When they say 'jazz,' I'm thinking of a word called 'the creative process.' It intersects every vein and tributary, avenue, path, that everyone's living. It crosses through there, but it's been contained.
Wayne ShorterRead
There's a steady forward march of a creative process that some of us stay with and don't give up - that should be an admirable thing - from Louis Armstrong to Charlie Parker to Miles to Ornette and some people who are not even known today - some kids coming up - people who are out to change the world.
Wayne ShorterRead
The arts can open the door to the imagination, pushing the envelope of how peace can be created. It takes courage to take this kind of risk, and courage is what we all need to create a better world.
Wayne ShorterRead
I think that music opens portals and doorways into unknown sectors that it takes courage to leap into. I always think that there's a potential that we all have, and we can emerge, rise up to this potential, when necessary. We have to be fearless, courageous, and draw upon wisdom that we think we don't have.
Wayne ShorterRead
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